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Happy Monday
Did you think a trailer was the opening act for marketing a new movie in the 21st century?
Think again.
And then think about what this title means for the next epic chapter in the Star Wars cinematic universe.
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi was written and directed by Rian Johnson (Looper, The Brothers Bloom, Brick) and the 43-year-old has set the bar at a next-level height for his December 15, 2017 release date. The title immediately brings to mind a battle of good vs. evil not seen since Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader’s iconic fight in The Empire Strikes Back back in 1980. Without diving too deep into the reaction Mr. Johnson and Co. expect, I caution you to take a step back and consider that the real hook in this title is visible, yet disguised.
In other words, I suspect “The Last Jedi” is (stay with me here) a Jedi mind trick in and of itself.
What kind of Jedi mind trick? I don’t know.
But extra curious of a mind-blowing, bonus twist I am.
Have a Better Week Than Last Week.
P.S. Remember that Rian Johnson released a special video for fans about wrapping Day 1 of filming Star Wars: Episode VIII back in mid-February of last year (as featured on Jimmy’s Daily Planet), so the hype for this movie has been building for what will turn out to be about 2 years come this December.
RIP John Glenn
To say that John Glenn was a pioneer would be a massive understatement.
Famed astronaut, aviator and former Ohio Senator John Glenn has died at the towering age of 95. Living a full life by taking big risks by venturing into outer space resulted in a big legacy that will not be soon forgotten. Mr. Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth, as well as being one of the first people in space (#5).
He will be missed and celebrated as an American space-race icon.
Plus, we all remember his hilarious cameo on Frasier.
A great man, on Earth and in space.
RIP John Glenn.
Sci-Fi’s Newest Passengers
Is there space for another movie about…space?
Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence star in a new film Passengers that, as far as we know, tells the story of two people aboard a space ship/stunningly awesome city in the stars who wake up from their slumber 90 years early to chaos that builds and builds towards an explosive third act. At this point, the primary question surrounding this movie is whether it’s solely rooted in cutting-edge entertainment or if it combines special effects and a subtle, yet profound commentary about the current state of humanity? The best films incorporate both qualities with cleverly disguised dialogue and open-ended questions without giving clear, direct answers hidden throughout the film worthy of Houdini himself.
Let’s check out the Avalon together.
On December 21st of this year, we’ll discover if Passengers has what it takes to be in the driver’s seat of innovative science-fiction.
Frank Sinatra Had the Right Idea
Fly me to the moon,
Let me play among the stars…
–Frank Sinatra, “Fly Me to the Moon”
Richard Branson and Elon Musk are planning to travel into space in the near future under the guise of private adventurism.
Add Naveen Jain to this growing list.
“The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that Moon Express, a firm co-founded by billionaire Naveen Jain, was approved to launch a suitcase-sized rover to the moon. Another company, Celestis, has reserved room for ashes and inert DNA samples.”
–Steven Nelson, U.S. News & World Report
Whether a rover, a commercial flight or the colonization of Mars, private citizens and their successful companies are revealing a paradigm shift that’s developing in extreme exploration.
Add movie director James Cameron to the list for oceanic exploration.
The dynamics of and success through globalization (increased customer base and, therefore, increased wealth potential and influence) is permitting a few of the craziest and most eccentric business leaders and firms to dream with their heads in the stars in a literal sense.
Given that many of the world’s most powerful economies are struggling and overwhelmed with more questions than answers, business leaders and ambitious innovators are taking advantage of their positive business ventures with inspired aspirations. Richard Branson (Virgin Galactic), Elon Musk (SpaceX) and Naveen Jain (Mon Express) are among the extreme explorers in the world today. Utilizing their winsome character, the reputations of the aforementioned dreamers attract followers nearly akin to Apple enthusiasts to the late Steve Jobs. There’s a sense that the world, in terms of space travel, is changing in a profound way and people want to be a part of this excitingly promising future.
The ingenuity, daring mentality and, perhaps most essential, the money is on the side of fun, personable billionaire private citizens.
Space travel in the 20th century was defined by the heroic crew of Apollo 11 (Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins) walking on the moon, courtesy of NASA, an integral part of the United States government. “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Space travel in the 21st century will be defined by —
The smart money is with “private citizens.”
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